(James 5:16, NLT) The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

(1 John 5:14-15, NIV) This is the confidence we have in approaching GOD: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

PRAY LIKE THIS

Jesus gave us the perfect pattern to COMMUNICATE with GOD

(Matthew 6:7-13, NLT) “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

Follow Jesus’ EXAMPLE not a RITUAL

Seven aspects of highly effective prayer:

1. It begins with TRUST

2. Connect with Him RELATIONALLY

3. Apply His NAME

4. Pray His AGENDA first

5. Trust Him to provide what you NEED not just what you WANT

6. FORGIVE others so that you can receive His FORGIVENESS

7. Seek the PROTECTION of His CHARACTER

MAKING THE CONNECTION

(Hebrews 11:6, NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

I need to ask myself these three questions:

1. Am I willing to PERSONALLY ENGAGE in the relationship?

2. Am I willing to SURRENDER my agenda for His?

3. Am I willing to TRUST that He’s listening?

FRESH START

(Jeremiah 29:12-13, NLT) “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.“